El Cerdo- nose to tail eating
Never one to be found hanging around Changkat Bukit Bintang for dinner, we found ourselves at the quaint little street again one fine evening as the craving for Parma Ham was too strong to be resisted and brushed aside as yet "another nasi lemak craving..." It was a weekday night, we didn't make any reservations. Well even if the restaurant is full, there're still so many choices out there. We can always make a quick exit to their next door neighbours, Bermuda & Onion or Flam's or Frangipani or even back to Chiaroscuro. But weekday being a weekday, we were lucky to get a table for 2.
Jamón Serrano from Spain- RM38
Imported high quality Spanish cred & air dried ham
served on rock melon and salad with Balsamico dressing
A menu was swiftly handed to us and it was a pork-lover's paradise! From left to right, up to bottom, all the items have some hints of pork (ok except the desserts and drinks). We couldn't quite make up our mind between the Paella or the Ham Knuckle. In the end, with a flip of the invisible coin, Paella it was. But for starters, it was the Jamón Serrano from Spain- in laymen's terms, Parma Ham with Rock Melon. The rock melon was too sweet, so sweet that a little piece of it is enough to complement the salty ham.
Paella- RM88
With Seafood, Chicken, Chorizo Sausage and Pork
It is a bit ironical, come to think about it. I was just saying in the car on our way there that I am not gonna have rice in an expensive restaurant as we were discussing on whether anyone of us had risotto (a type of Italian rice) before. And we ended up having Paella... a type of Spanish rice.
It was a very tough decision between the Ham Knuckle or Paella as both dishes are enough for 2 pax. After a bout of pushing the decision making to each other and flipping invisible coins, Paella won. And Paella we had. This being my second time having the Paella, first was at La Bodega's.
The Paella was dense with flavour- not surprising when you have a combination of seafood and poultry with the strong tomato flavour. Perhaps it is appropriate to say that the Spanish Paella is equivalent to our Chinese Claypot Rice. The portion is just right for 2 persons.
"Hot & Cold"- RM19.50
A sinful combination of Hot Mixed Berries and Red Wine
On Vanilla Ice Cream
Now, with the amazing starters and delicious mains, wouldn't it be wonderful if we could end the dinner with a sweet dessert? The dessert that managed to catch my attention was "Hot & Cold". They say "opposite attracts", I wonder how true it is. But as evidenced by the Parma Ham with Rock Melon in the starters, I guess it is safe to say, yes opposites do attract! The mixed berries were warm and instantly melts the vanilla ice cream. Yes, there was a strong hint of red wine too. The kitchen was very generous with the berries too.
Temptations...
If the name El Cerdo rings a bell in your mind for something outrageous they do... Yes, you've got the place right. They not only serve suckling pig, they also cut it with white plates and then smash the white plates after that. So, there can be quite a commotion in the restaurant whenever a suckling pig is served!
El Cerdo
43 & 45, Changkat Bukit Bintang,
50200 Kuala Lumpur.
(Opposite The Green Man Pub & The Magnificent Fish and Chips Bar)
[disclaimer: the opinions expressed here are based on my personal views, tastebuds and preference and may vary for others. please dont sue me, i dont have money. kthxbye.]
